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Trichoderma brevicompactum 6311: Prevention and Control of Phytophthora capsici and Its Growth-Promoting Effect

Summary

Researchers isolated a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma brevicompactum from pepper plant soil that can fight a serious disease affecting peppers worldwide. This fungus not only kills the disease-causing pathogen but also helps pepper plants grow better. The study shows this fungus works through multiple mechanisms including wrapping around harmful fungi and producing growth-promoting compounds. This offers farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting their pepper crops.

Background

Pepper Phytophthora blight caused by Phytophthora capsici results in substantial yield losses in global pepper cultivation. Chemical pesticides commonly used for management pose environmental and health risks. Biocontrol agents with dual functions of disease suppression and growth promotion offer sustainable alternatives.

Objective

To isolate and screen Trichoderma strains with high antagonistic activity against P. capsici from rhizosphere soil of healthy peppers under long-term continuous cultivation. To evaluate the biocontrol efficacy and growth-promoting effects of the most promising strain.

Results

T. brevicompactum 6311 showed the strongest inhibition of P. capsici with 82.22% inhibition rate in double-culture and 100% in fermentation liquid culture. The strain achieved 29% effectiveness in pepper fruit tests and 55.56% prevention and control effect in potting experiments. T. brevicompactum 6311 significantly promoted seed germination parameters and fresh weight. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in plant defense (F3H, AUX22) and IAA production.

Conclusion

T. brevicompactum 6311 demonstrates significant bioprotective and growth-promoting functions against pepper Phytophthora blight. The strain inhibits P. capsici through parasitism, siderophore production, and IAA secretion. Transcriptomic evidence confirms activation of plant defense and growth-related gene pathways, establishing 6311 as a promising biological control agent for sustainable pepper production.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39997399
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